Town's 2026-2031 economic plan targets ag-related investment, but infrastructure and cost hurdles remain

OLDS, Alta. — The Town of Olds is making agriculture the centerpiece of its new five-year economic development strategy, leveraging its long-standing connection with Olds College of Agriculture & Technology to attract new business.

The 2026-2031 strategy was discussed at recent council meetings, where Chief Administrative Officer Brent Williams said the town is moving to build a more intentional partnership with the college rather than operating side-by-side.

“We want to become more deliberate in our relationship, as opposed to just coexisting,” Williams told council.

The strategy has been more than three years in development, shaped by research and consultations with local businesses, residents, and regional partners. It positions the college as the community’s core economic anchor.

During a committee of the whole meeting last month, Coun. Darren Wilson asked why more large-scale agricultural industry hasn’t already located in Olds despite the town’s strong ag profile, and what it would take to attract investors and developers.

Williams said while some ag-related operations are already in the community, several barriers make it difficult to compete for major projects like flour mills, ethanol plants, or pea processing facilities.

Land, water costs and workforce challenges

One major obstacle is a shortage of large, fully serviced industrial land. Williams pointed to the southeast industrial park on 68th Street, which still lacks a sanitary lift station — a key piece of infrastructure for heavy users.

He said Olds is also competing with rural counties across Alberta that can offer lower utility costs. Rural sites can often use well water and manage their own wastewater, while businesses in Olds must purchase potable water from the Mountain View Regional Water Commission and pay to have wastewater transported to Red Deer for treatment at a cost of about $3 per cubic metre.

“That’s a competitive disadvantage right there,” Williams said. “We have to find the right ag businesses. Trying to compete on the large-scale manufacturing, we lose pretty quickly.”

Workforce availability and housing have also been concerns in the past for employers considering large facilities, though Williams noted that recent and upcoming multi-unit residential construction in town is helping to ease the housing pressure.

College partnership seen as key advantage

Despite the challenges, Williams said Olds College remains a significant draw. The town is exploring deeper collaboration, including joint recreation planning with the college, Mountain View County, Olds Regional Exhibition and Chinook’s Edge School Division to co-locate facilities and share programs.

He also cited practical opportunities, such as arboriculture students gaining hands-on experience maintaining town trees and green spaces, and the college expanding its research partnerships with agribusinesses.

A community survey conducted as part of the strategy process found broad support for focusing on agriculture. Of 82 respondents, most backed the ag-focused direction and the closer college relationship. Several respondents also raised the possibility of data centres locating in town — a topic that has drawn mixed reaction in East Olds. Williams said responses on data centres were largely positive or neutral.

Williams described the economic strategy as a “living document” that can adapt as economic conditions change.

“It is council and the Town saying to ourselves, our community, the broader economy, that we are open for business, that we want to grow, and this is how we think we can grow,” he said.

Coun. Wanda Blatz praised the work that went into the plan, saying residents she has spoken with who are familiar with it have been impressed.